Pokémon Go is coming to your phone in July

You won’t need a handheld to play Pokemon anymore — unless you count your phone.

For those ready to encounter a Squirtle while out and about (and really, who isn’t into that idea), prepare yourselves: Pokémon Gowill be out in July.

Using the same technology from augmented reality game Ingress, Pokémon Go uses the same set of concepts as geocaching to allow players to search for Pokémon in the real world. They can also use their captured Pokémon to battle other people who are doing the same.

The free-to-play game has been in beta for several months in the United States, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand, as you can see from this video.

An additional accessory called the Pokémon Go Plus will also be offered to compliment the game for $34.99. It can be worn by players when they are away from their phones, alerting them to nearby Pokémonand letting them catch the creature with the press of a button. It won’t be for sale in time for the game’s launch, but should be out shortly afterwards.

pokemon.com

Nintendo did not specify a day for the release, but we’re expecting to hear more soon. In the meantime, it’s a good time to dust off your Pokédex and practice your ball-throwing skills.

Colette Bennett is a writer and editor who specializes in geek culture, beauty products, and Amazon deals. Her work has appeared on CNN, HLN, Engadget, Kotaku, Colourlovers, and Continue Magazine. She's also given talks on working in news for CNN's Leadership Unplugged program. Bennett also runs popular Korean beauty blog Chok Chok Beauty and regularly slathers her face in snail slime.